What would be involved in moving my electrical panel about 4" forward?

I want to frame the wall where my electrical panel is. It is currently on a sheet of plywood fastened into the cinder block. There is a cut off switch, then the panel next to it. I want to bring the whole thing about 4-5 inches or so to accommodate the framing. Probably even leave it on the plywood. This is to allow for insulation to be added behind it. Guessing the job would be rather simple and probably even something I could do myself if hydro would be willing to pull the meter and let me do it, but don't think they would given it's still involving the main feeders. Or do you think they would?

If I was to get an electrician to do this, since it's actually a very simple job how much roughly do you think it would cost? Couple hundred bucks, couple thousand? My guess is maybe 100-200 bucks, but maybe I'm way off. I was told at one point I'd be looking at a few thousand if I wanted to change the panel, this would not be considered the same thing as a panel change right?

Can you frame to it and around it, put a cupboard door over it on hinges to make it look better without moving it?

joed

05-21-2013 11:39 PM

You would want a disconnect at the weather head not a meter pull. There would still be live wires in the meter pan. You would definitely need a permit and inspection for this.

Red Squirrel

05-21-2013 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funfool
(Post 1184607)

Can you frame to it and around it, put a cupboard door over it on hinges to make it look better without moving it?

It would still not be insulated though, and create a cold spot. I want to move it forward so I have a void behind it to add insulation. Though I guess another option is to do a door like you say, and back it with foam. Though I don't know if foam against the panel is a good idea. :laughing:

Quote:

Originally Posted by joed
(Post 1184608)

You would want a disconnect at the weather head not a meter pull. There would still be live wires in the meter pan. You would definitely need a permit and inspection for this.

Did not know that was possible, in that case I'm guessing it's definitely something they'd want an electrician for. Good news is my electrical IS areal, it would probably be more complicated if it was not. Guess I should just call them and find out what they need.

sirsparksalot

05-22-2013 12:25 AM

I don't mean to be an ass, I really don't, but if it's so simple, why would you ask about it?

Red Squirrel

05-22-2013 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirsparksalot
(Post 1184640)

I don't mean to be an ass, I really don't, but if it's so simple, why would you ask about it?

The work itself is simple, but perhaps not the process such as whether or not I legally need an electrician, or get a permit etc. I can't legally turn the power off myself that feeds it. If I could, then it would be a no brainer and I'd just do it. The job itself is probably less than an hour counting framing before I put it back.

Of course I could do it during a power outage but that's kinda risky. :eek:

I'll call them and ask. If I'm lucky they'll say go for it and want to inspect it after, otherwise I'll get an electrician to arrange everything. Guessing they would be the ones that coordinate with hydro. I might want to look at getting an inverter so I can run a few power tools and lights, too.

sirsparksalot

05-22-2013 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel
(Post 1184650)

The work itself is simple, but perhaps not the process such as whether or not I legally need an electrician, or get a permit etc. I can't legally turn the power off myself that feeds it. If I could, then it would be a no brainer and I'd just do it. The job itself is probably less than an hour counting framing before I put it back.

Of course I could do it during a power outage but that's kinda risky. :eek:

I'll call them and ask. If I'm lucky they'll say go for it and want to inspect it after, otherwise I'll get an electrician to arrange everything. Guessing they would be the ones that coordinate with hydro. I might want to look at getting an inverter so I can run a few power tools and lights, too.

Well, let us know how it goes.

I don't think you can do everything in less than an hour, but sometimes I'm slow :)

Red Squirrel

05-22-2013 02:51 AM

Depends if I run into a snag. Though I may be underestimating the time it takes too. I can't even see where the plywood is fastened so I wonder if I do end up having to completely remove the panel from it to get to the fasteners, and for all I know they may have used concrete nails which I'll have fun removing. So I could very well end up struggling with simply removing it. Worse case scenario I may also leave the plywood there and just take the panel off. Should be able to hopefully just let it hang on the wires while I put in the studs. Then again it might also be an electrician that does all the work. Depends what Hydro tells me, if they are willing to cut power and let me do it or not.

This will be the last wall I do as it's a complicated one, lot of plumbing changes will be needed just so I can get the top plate in. Given I'll be removing so much copper I'm also debating on just redoing it all from scratch with pex and use a home run system. So I probably wont be doing this for a while.

rjniles

05-22-2013 06:28 AM

You may have a issue with a permit (or at least you would in the USA). The washer & dryer are blocking the required working space in front of the panel. An inspector might require you to move the panel or the W/D hook ups.

stickboy1375

05-22-2013 06:35 AM

12 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjniles
(Post 1184711)

You may have a issue with a permit (or at least you would in the USA). The washer & dryer are blocking the required working space in front of the panel. An inspector might require you to move the panel or the W/D hook ups.

I cannot stand going to a house and coming across this scenario, it's such bull****....

k_buz

05-22-2013 07:03 AM

Move it forward in less than an hour? Don't think so :no:

How are the service entrance conductors run? Cable? Conduit? What happens if/when the feeders are too short?

joed

05-22-2013 08:37 AM

It's not as simple as you think.
1. The cable from the meter to the panel will need to be longer so replacement will be required.
2. The conduit the cables are installed in will need to be changed to make them longer.
3. The whole system will need to meet current code which could involve more changes. You could be triggering a whole service upgrade.

rjniles

05-22-2013 08:57 AM

Unless you are prepared to open a big (and expensive) box of worms, do as has been suggested; build a box with doors around it. Insulate as best you can.

It is a laundry room so the esthetics are not a major concern.

Kyle_in_rure

05-22-2013 10:51 AM

Off topic, but what brand of panel is that? I've never seen one like that.

k_buz

05-22-2013 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle_in_rure

Off topic, but what brand of panel is that? I've never seen one like that.